Introduction
Valeriana wallichii DC., commonly known as Indian Valerian, is a plant species belonging to the Valerianaceae family. It can be found in the Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, growing above 3,000 meters, as well as in the Khasia Hills. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Tagara, Sugandhabaalaa, Kaalaanusaari, Kaalaanusaarikaa, and Nata. The Unani name for this herb is Asaarun and TagarReshewaalaa, while in Siddha medicine it is known as Tagarai. Other local names include Taggar, Baalaka, Mushkbaalaa, Asaarun, and Tagar-ganthodaa.
Therauptic Properties
The rhizomes and roots of Valeriana wallichii are commonly used as a substitute for Valeriana officinalis. It is often prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hysteria, nervous unrest, emotional troubles, and as a sedative. This herb contains various compounds such as cyclopentapyrans, acacetin-7-O-rutinosides, valtrate, didrovaltrate, linarin iso-valerinate, valepotriates, and an iridoid ester glycoside called valerosidatum. Cyclopentapyrans have been found to exhibit sedative, tranquilizing, and bactericidal properties. Additionally, valtrate and didrovaltrate have been shown to be cytotoxic to hepatoma cells and inhibit the synthesis of DNA and protein in tumor cells. The root of Valeriana wallichii has spasmolytic effects, while the essential oil derived from it has antibacterial properties. However, it is important to note that the essential oils of Indian Valerian are considered to be of lower quality compared to those of Valeriana officinalis.
In addition to Valeriana wallichii, there is another species called Valeriana jatamansi auct. non Jones, which is often confused with Indian Valerian. It is also known as Indian Spikenard, Musk-Root, and Jataamaansi. This species, which is represented by synonyms Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and N. jatamansi DC., has similar medicinal uses and properties.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Valeriana wallichii rhizome is 1-3 grams of powder. It is commonly available in the form of powdered rhizomes and roots.
Conclusion
In summary, Valeriana wallichii DC., or Indian Valerian, is a medicinal herb found in the Himalayas and the Khasia Hills. It is widely used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for its sedative, spasmolytic, and antibacterial properties. The herb contains various bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage when using this herb for therapeutic purposes.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is Valeriana wallichii DC.?
Valeriana wallichii DC. is a plant species from the Valerianaceae family, commonly known as Indian Valerian.
Where is Valeriana wallichii DC. found?
Indian Valerian is found in the Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, growing above 3,000 meters, as well as in the Khasia Hills.
What are some other names for Valeriana wallichii DC. in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Valeriana wallichii DC. is referred to as Tagara, Sugandhabaalaa, Kaalaanusaari, Kaalaanusaarikaa, and Nata.
What is the Unani name for Valeriana wallichii DC.?
The Unani name for this herb is Asaarun and TagarReshewaalaa.
What is the Siddha name for Valeriana wallichii DC.?
In Siddha medicine, Valeriana wallichii DC. is known as Tagarai.
What are some common local names for Valeriana wallichii DC.?
Some local names for this herb include Taggar, Baalaka, Mushkbaalaa, Asaarun, and Tagar-ganthodaa.
What are the medicinal uses of Valeriana wallichii DC. in Ayurveda?
Valeriana wallichii DC. is often prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hysteria, nervous unrest, emotional troubles, and as a sedative.
What are some compounds found in Valeriana wallichii DC.?
Valeriana wallichii DC. contains compounds such as cyclopentapyrans, acacetin-7-O-rutinosides, valtrate, didrovaltrate, linarin iso-valerinate, valepotriates, and valerosidatum.
What properties do cyclopentapyrans in Valeriana wallichii DC. exhibit?
Cyclopentapyrans in Valeriana wallichii DC. have been found to exhibit sedative, tranquilizing, and bactericidal properties.
What are some potential cytotoxic effects of valtrate and didrovaltrate in Valeriana wallichii DC.?
Valtrate and didrovaltrate in Valeriana wallichii DC. have been shown to be cytotoxic to hepatoma cells and inhibit the synthesis of DNA and protein in tumor cells.
What effects does the root of Valeriana wallichii DC. have?
The root of Valeriana wallichii DC. has spasmolytic effects.
What are some properties of the essential oil derived from Valeriana wallichii DC.?
The essential oil derived from Valeriana wallichii DC. has antibacterial properties.
How does the quality of the essential oils of Indian Valerian compare to those of Valeriana officinalis?
The essential oils of Indian Valerian are considered to be of lower quality compared to those of Valeriana officinalis.
Are there any other species that are often confused with Valeriana wallichii DC.?
Another species often confused with Valeriana wallichii DC. is Valeriana jatamansi auct. non Jones, also known as Indian Spikenard, Musk-Root, and Jataamaansi.
What are some synonyms of Valeriana jatamansi auct. non Jones?
Valeriana jatamansi auct. non Jones is represented by synonyms Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and N. jatamansi DC.
What are the recommended dosages of Valeriana wallichii rhizome?
The recommended dosage of Valeriana wallichii rhizome is 1-3 grams of powder.
In what forms is Valeriana wallichii commonly available?
Valeriana wallichii is commonly available in the form of powdered rhizomes and roots.
What are the main medicinal properties of Valeriana wallichii?
The main medicinal properties of Valeriana wallichii include its sedative, spasmolytic, and antibacterial effects.
